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Testimonials
Adult Kung Fu Program Testimonials
"I have been looking for a good Chinese martial arts school for 15 years. I have studied kung fu on both coasts, and I studied t'ai chi in China. I can easily say that this is the best school, with the best teachers, that I have ever found. This school is, in my experience, uniquely great." - Adria Kyne
"My son and I spent several months looking into a variety of martial arts schools before selecting The Plum Blossom Traditional Kung Fu Academy. I hope this posting is helpful to others seeking a high quality martial arts experience either for their kids or for themselves." - Glenn Alto
"Because of all this and my love of learning and practicing this Kung Fu, there is no place I'd rather be on a Monday or Wednesday night, or a Saturday morning, than at Plum Blossom Academy training. This place is great and I am very glad that I joined and was accepted. No martial arts school is perfect, it all depends on the Shifu and the students, but this place is close to it." - Vincent Tseng
“I have studied martial arts with Randy for almost four years now. Over the years we have moved from a cramped room in an old mill home, to a state-of-the-art training facility in a newly constructed retail building. Randy's learning environment has stayed consistent however - real-world, effective, and honest martial arts training. Randy has a unique ability to quickly understand students strengths and weaknesses, and then work with them to get to the next level. Highly recommended.” July 22, 2008 - Bill Reilly
“Randolph Brown is an accomplished, dedicated martial artist, an exceptional teacher and an ethical businessman. I consider my experience with Randolph (now four years and counting) as entirely positive.” July 28, 2008 - Don Maurer
“For a great number of years I had a significant interest in pursuing martial arts training. I visited a number of schools but was always discouraged by their atmosphere, curriculum, or general lack of professionalism. On the recommendation of a friend I attended a trial class at the Plum Blossom Academy and I haven't looked back since. Not only have I gained a vast amount of skill and technical fighting knowledge in what I would consider a relatively short period of time, I am in the best shape of my life. Shifu Brown and the PBA provide an extremely rewarding and positive martial arts experience.” March 4, 2009 - Niels Dragsbaek
“I came to Plum Blossom Academy to learn TaiChi. My approach was practical and simple -- get into this school for a couple of months and if I didn't like it - move on. It's been 9 months ago... I didn't expect that I get interested in learning martial arts so much that I'd sign up for other programs as well. Now I go to Kung Fu and Tai Chi classes. I spend good 8 hours a week at PBA and sometimes think that it is not enough. Shifu Brown's passion for martial arts is contagious and his no-nonsense approach to teaching makes you to push the limits and realize your potential. I feel truly lucky that I got into PBA and not into any other martial art school." November 2009 - Max K.
Tai Chi Program Testimonials
"Sifu Brown is an excellent instructor, with lots of patience, and dedication to these martial arts." - Mike Nollet
"I had no background in the martial arts before I started studying Tai Chi just over two years ago. I didn't even know Tai Chi was a martial art! Instead, I started exploring Tai Chi for its health benefits, as a gentle way to improve my balance and flexibility. My interest in Tai Chi has grown from an initial curiosity to a much deeper interest in the study of Tai Chi. I got all the health benefits I was looking for, plus much more physical strength and mental focus. I was looking for a casual exercise program, but found something I could study and learn much more deeply." - Carolyn Hotchkiss
“Randy is driven to provide his school with quality martial arts instruction. I have studied Tai Chi with Randy for three years and several things have maintained constant during this time: integrity, dedication and honesty. Randy provides these three qualities every day in every class. I can recommend Randy without hesitation.” July 23, 2008 - Richard Fike
“I have studied Tai Chi at several schools prior to to Plum Blossom but this is the first school that brought the intensity and passion that I was looking for. Randy is re-creating the spirit of the original martial Tai Chi, bringing an intensity combined with flashes of humor that is inspirational. Randy makes you want to be better, and then gives you to tools to become better.” July 21, 2008 - Brian Tarbox
“I didn't have any experience with martial arts schools and did not know what to expect. I remember being overwhelmed in my first TaiChi class, and asking Shifu Brown at the end of the class "Are you sure I can remember and learn all of this and do it correctly?". And yet, in just 2 months, I was able to practice the complete 13 movements TaiChi form on my own. All pieces came together into a complete picture. It was a liberating experience, to say the least." November, 2009 - Max K.
Children's Kung Fu
"I just wanted to take a moment to thank you all for the wonderful childrens program that you run at Plum Blossom Academy. When she began, my daughter was very shy and quiet and needed some help asserting herself with adults, peers - even her family members. After six months in your Childrens Martial Arts program, she is a new child! She is still quiet and a bit reserved, but she has no problem asserting herself and voicing her thoughts and opinions with both adults and peers. She's been involved with gymnastics and soccer for years, but Kung Fu has truly helped her to find her inner strength and voice and has given her the courage to use them. Where I once saw a shy reserved girl who was a follower, I now see a confident, self assured girl who may not be the most outgoing child, but one who will stand up for herself and who is surrounding herself with friends who won't lead or follow, but who will stand by her and let her be herself. Again, Thank You." - Lee-Ellen
"Our Grandkids love the class so much, we can now get them to behave by threatening to take Kung Fu away. Never thought we'd see that!" - John M.
"My nine year old son has ADHD and multiple learning challenges which impact him socially and behaviorally. We tried having him play soccer, but team sports were a huge challenge for him. We tried another martial arts school in the area, but the classes felt very disorganized and chaotic and made it extremely difficult for him to maintain good behavior. Since taking classes at Plum Blossom Academy, I have noticed so many positive changes in my child. He has an increased ability to focus and pay attention, is increasing his physical fitness level and is more resilient when things don’t go his way. Even his teachers commented on better behavior and academic performance only a few weeks after beginning his training. I love seeing how passionate and proud he has become, and works hard to strive to improve. It has been so important for his self-esteem to feel part of a community. I am very grateful to Sifu Randy Brown for being such a positive role model to my son, and to all the great instructors at Plum Blossom Academy for their sensitivity in dealing with children who have differences and challenges." - L. Murray
“The self-discipline is excellent, it’s good to have that structure.” -K. Estridge “It’s hard work, but my son enjoys the discipline and the self-esteem he has now. Wild horses couldn’t keep him away. He has said on multiple occasions he would walk to class if need be.” - Jeff R.
"Brian's confidence in his abilities has greatly increased. He will stick to his decisions regardless of what his friends and peers say." - Mary Ystueta
"The curriculum of Plum Blossom Academy has significantly boosted my son's self-esteem, while raising his awareness of his responsibilities as a good citizen. The emphasis placed on becoming a role model for behavior has gone a long way to assist in Anthony's social development." - Jeffrey Rosenthal
"My children have thrived in Shifu Brown’s program. The anti-bullying curriculum is engaging and relevant to their lives. They enjoy the classes, especially practicing the techniques with their classmates, and the constant reassurance that no person should ever have to suffer at the hands of a bully. Class sizes are small enough and instructors experienced enough that the individual strengths and weaknesses of the students can be used and worked on so that students feel successful, even when being pushed to work harder." Tanya Palmer
Women's Self-Defense Course
"A+ on Saturday's seminar! “I just wanted to let you know that both Sheila and I felt that the Self Defense Seminar was exceptionally good. The techniques were basic and easy to remember! Having a course like this available locally is such a great service for the community." Cindy N.
"Great class! I'm very glad I came. Great planning on the part of the instructor. Techniques were easy to learn." - Lauri C.
"This was a great class. Thank you!"
"Good atmosphere. Felt comfortable doing things. Learned a lot of things that I wouldn't have thought of. Acting out things in person with padding allowed me to really go all out."
"Relaxed & friendly atmosphere. Opportunity to practice techniques. Thorough & informative explanations about the techniques."
Summer and Fall Retreats
"Just wanted to thank Shifu and Laoshi Rebecca for a great trip. I had a wonderful time and learned a lot of new skills. I met some really nice people on this trip and being new to Kung Fu they were patient and helpful. For anyone who hasn’t been I would highly recommend it with or without the family. I brought mine and there are so many different activities to enjoy. Looking forward to the next one. Thanks Again." - Holly
"We have had an extended weekend to die for. The skill and dedication of the Kung Fu students and their respect for our Tai Chi discipline was honestly a surprise. They honored our exercises even as we gasped at their much more strenuous accomplishments. The introduction to the Tai Chi Sword techniques was an eye-opener to both disciplines. We were surprised that we knew connective steps that the Kung Fu acolytes had never seen or complimented. They were so good at so much, but there were lots of things to share and all proved so much better for the exchange. We wish that all our Tai Chi practitioners consider seriously going to the next retreat. It is a wonderful experience and worthy of your most serious deliberations." -- Respectfully submitted, Jane L Millard & John D Millard
Fit-Kick
"I am so glad that Plum Blossom offers a fitness program for adults that fits into our busy family schedule. Fit-Kick kickboxing is a strenuous workout but it is adaptable to many fitness levels and fitness goals. I hadn’t exercised regularly in over a year when I joined the class. I am amazed at the difference I notice in my stamina, balance, and strength after 6 months. I appreciate exercising where my children learn martial arts. They get the message that exercise is important, throughout life, and I have a better understanding of the parts of their class that overlap with my own." - Tanya Palmer
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